New National Scout Chaplain appointed

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales has appointed Fr Jonathan How as the new National Catholic Scout Chaplain in succession to the late Fr John Seddon who died earlier this year.

Fr Jonathan is a priest of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and is currently Director of Studies at St John's Seminary, Wonersh where he teaches liturgy and philosophy. He has been a member of the Scout movement since he first made his promise as a Cub Scout in Burgess Hill, West Sussex.

He has held a number of adult roles at local and national level, working mainly with the Scout section, large camps and on spiritual development in the youth programme.

He is currently County Chaplain and Deputy County Commissioner in Surrey, and Advisor on Spiritual and Religious Development to the World Scout Movement, supporting their work in interreligious dialogue and the development of the youth programme.

As well as working on the spiritual aspect of the youth programme, Fr Jonathan is an active climber and experienced mountain leader and enjoys the time spent introducing young people to these adventurous activities and the opportunities they provide to encounter the Lord.

"The education of young people is an important part of the Church's expression of God's mercy," said Fr Jonathan. "It is, and always has been, a privilege to support Scouting in its work for the development of young people, and I welcome this opportunity to support Catholics in Scouting in bearing witness to God's love in their work within the movement."

Scout Liaison Bishop, Rt Rev Richard Moth, added: "I am delighted that Fr Jonathan How has taken up this appointment as our new National Catholic Scout
Chaplain. He brings a great deal of experience to the role, both as a scout and as a priest. He will, I am sure, receive a warm welcome from all Catholics involved in Scouting."

Read more about the National Catholic Scout Fellowship here: www.catholicsinscouting.org.uk/